Montesa 1967 Trials
Carlo Ramella and Justyn Norek wax lyrical.
Dr Garino's Monty
A Brief History of the Marque
Fritz Kramer of Laubus-Eschbach ran a motorcycle business established by his father in Laubus-Eschbach, Hesse, and was very active in motocross and enduro. Having campaigned and sold DKW, the firm then took up with Maico and their successful competition machines became known as Kramer-Maico, of which some 50 to 80 were produced in the years 1975-76.
In 1977 they began producing Rotax-powered machines under the Kramer brand and were immediately successful, most of them being sold in France where they had an enthusiastic importer. In 1980 Kramer hit financial difficulties and folded due, it is said, to non-payment by the French importer.
A new company was formed in Italy initially named Kramer Italia and from 1982 Kram-It. At that stage the firm became totally Italian with the exception of the engine which Rotax still supplied.
Peter Heuser, an importer and distributor, purchased the remnants of the German Kramer concern and attempted to re-establish the marque in the mid-1980s, with disastrous consequences. Facing financial ruin, he committed suicide.
The last of the many owners of the Kramer brand is believed to be Reinhard Hallat, in the late 1990s.
Kramer 250 ER 1981
Engine
Air-cooled Rotax 2-stroke single. Bore x Stroke: 72 x 61 mm., 248.4 c.c. Carburettor: Bing 34 mm. 5-speed gearbox. Cable-actuated clutch. Kickstart lever.
Chassis
Frame: double cradle. Fork: Marzocchi 38 mm. - travel 320 mm. Rear suspension: Öhlins cantilever - travel 300 mm. Brakes: Front drum. Rear drum. Weight: 102 kg (dry). Fuel capacity: 8 litres
Kramer 80 ER 1982
Engine
Minarelli air-cooled 2-stroke single. Bore x Stroke: 48 x 44 mm., 79.6 c.c. Power: 18 hp Carburettor: Dellorto 30 mm. Six-speed gearbox. Cable-actuated clutch. Kickstart lever.
Chassis
Frame: double cradle. Fork: Italia 34 mm. Rear suspension: Corte-Cosso monoshock - travel 335 mm. Brakes: Front 125 mm drum. Rear 125 mm drum. Saddle height 960 mm. Weight: 79 kg (dry). Fuel capacity: 6.5 litres
Kramer 410LR 1980
Engine
Air-cooled Rotax 2-stroke single. Bore x Stroke: 84 x 72 mm., 398.8 c.c. Power: 52 hp Torque: — Carburettor: Bing 36 mm. 5-speed gearbox. Cable-actuated clutch. Kickstart lever.
Chassis
Frame: double cradle. Fork: Marzocchi 38 mm. - travel 300 mm. Rear suspension: Öhlins Cantilever - travel 300 mm. Brakes: Front Grimeca drum. Rear Grimeca drum. Saddle height 910 mm. Weight: 98 kg Fuel capacity: 9 litres
Other Kramer models include:
Kramer 250 MC 1981 Cross 250 c.c.
Kramer 125 MC 1982 Cross 125 c.c.
Sources: GTU Oldtimerservice, classic-motorrad.de, kramer-sportmotorraeder.de, motociclismo.es, Le Guide Vert.
